Causes of Pupils Absenteeism in San Luis Elementary School in the School Year 2017 -2018

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the most annoying experiences for teachers is when students are absent. We prepare lesson plans with the objective that 100% of the class will learn from the day's classroom activities. It is most satisfying when all students are present on that day and the days thereafter, ensuring maximum learning.

Absenteeism also affects the teacher's ability to present classwork in a sequential and organized way. This can have an effect on the progress of all the students in the class. Families of habitually absent students can also suffer. For a poverty-stricken family, it may mean a continuation of the poverty and unemployment cycle that may run in the family.

It is the aim of every school to lessen, if not eradicate, absenteeism among its students. One way of addressing this problem is to identify the causes of absenteeism. Once they are singled out, understood, and analyzed, these issues may be addressed with specific actions and measures. This will eventually result in the better performance of the students, teachers, and the school in general.

METHODS

The Descriptive-Survey method of research was used in this study. According to Estolas and Boquiren, descriptive research is a study that can obtain facts about existing conditions or detach significant relationship between current phenomena. It describes and interprets prevailing condition or relationship that exists or does not exist, practices that prevail or do not, beliefs or points of view or attitude that are held, processes that are going on or otherwise, effects that are being felt, or trends that are developing.

RESULTS

The causes of pupil's absenteeism at San Luis Elementary School in all 6 aspects obtained the following weighted mean respectively: Physical Factors (weighted mean =1.04); Health (weighted mean = 2.4); Personal Attitude (weighted mean = 1.91);Teacher-Related (weighted mean = 1.38); Classroom Atmosphere (weighted mean = 1.77); Home-Related (weighted mean 1.52). The whole respondents are agreeable with an overall weighted mean of 1.67.

DISCUSSIONS

Among all the causes presented, health is the primary reason why students are absent from their classes. Flu/ fever is the leading culprit in this category. Oral health, which according to theDepartment of Education is the main reason why pupils are absent, is just third among the reasons cited by the responding students. Classroom atmosphere, personal attitude, teacher factor, and home-related reasons follow in that order.